planning to apply for an American Express need to be aware of new changes that have been introduced, as the US bank holding company has updated its application criteria. The credit card giant is altering the minimum income requirements for three of its most popular credit cards.

A minimum income requirement for its cards was reintroduced in 2023, almost seven years after it was scrapped. Rob Burgess, editor of frequent flyer website Head for Points, said: "The previous limits were not exactly tough for anyone in a full-time job. Someone on minimum wage doing 40 hours per week would qualify for every American Express card, except The Platinum Card and the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card.'

"The winners from these changes are probably the retired or part-time workers, who may now find they earn enough to apply for specific products."

The British Airways American Express Credit Card now requires a minimum income of £15,000, reduced from the previous £20,000, reports

The American Express Rewards Credit Card and the Amex Cashback Everyday Credit Card have also seen their income thresholds lowered to £15,000.

Meanwhile, the American Express Gold and Platinum cards remain unchanged at £20,000 and £35,000 respectively.

Notably, the Platinum Card's requirement was £40,000 back in 2016.

The only card to see an increase since 2016 is the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card, which now demands a minimum income of £35,000 - up from £20,000.

• Amex Cashback Credit Card - £20,000
• Nectar Credit Card - £20,000
• Marriott Bonvoy American Express - £20,000
• The American Express Business Gold Card - £20,000
• British Airways American Express Accelerating Business - £20,000
• British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card - £35,000
• The American Express Business Platinum Card - £35,000